Things to Do , Hunting & Fishing , Lakes & Watersports , Sports & Outdoors
Getting Away From It All at NEPA’s Finest Fishing Spots
Posted: August 26, 2020
Let’s Go Fishing!
Tune out, unplug and reconnect with nature at some of NEPA’s best fishing holes.
Perhaps now, more than ever, we’ve earned ourselves some “me” time. And, while there are many tried and true methods of beating stress, few compare to the ancient art of fishing. It’s just you, the water, a little sunshine and a light breeze and hopefully a few hungry fish. Fishing is one of our most cherished and celebrated pastimes. And you don’t have to travel far throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania to find a trustworthy spot to drop a line.
Here in NEPA, we take our downtime seriously. Plopping down with a can of worms at your secret spot on the lake, muggin’ for clippers in the riffles on the Susquehanna, or figuring out that “dead on” fly pattern – it’s all in service to one mighty, omnipresent idea – takin’ it easy.
Whether you prefer fly fishing, bait casting or angling with an old-fashioned spin rod, we’ve got a spot for you. NEPA is home to plenty of pristine lakes, rolling rivers and cool, clear mountain streams. You’ll find most of them right here in our incredible local and state parks. And all of them are teeming with fish. Spend a day on one of our rivers landing smallmouth bass, channel cats, walleye or even an elusive muskie. Pull on your waders and sneak up on some native brook trout in a cool mountain creek. Or, paddle the old row boat out onto the lake and drop some bait into the murky deep for… well, let’s just say they’ll hang it’s picture on the bait shop wall.
Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day working.
No matter where you’re headed to spend a little time on the water, make sure you’re doing it right. Find everything you need at one of NEPA’s awesome bait & tackle shops. From poles, hooks, line and reels to worms, minnows and more, you can get it all locally. For those uncertain of where to go, or how to get started, NEPA also boasts quite a few amazing guide services. They’re guaranteed to get you on the fish. And the experience is all up to you. Try throwing flies for monster trout on the Lackawanna River. Learn the many secrets of the Susquehanna. Or, get out early for a legendary striper trip on Lake Wallenpaupack.
And don’t forget your fishing license. In Pennsylvania, all anglers, over the age of 16, must possess a valid fishing license. Picking up your fishing license is now easier than ever. Simply create a customer account on the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s online Outdoor Shop. Select the appropriate license, pay and you’re good to go. You can print your license from the Outdoor Shop, or store it on your smart phone. You can also pick up that license the old fashioned way at a local licensing agent. And, if you’re unsure about fishing regulations in PA, check out these helpful frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re aiming to bring home dinner, spending quality time with the grandchildren or just out for the sport of it, finding that perfect water is easy in NEPA. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest summer fishing spots, so grab your gear and get out there.
Check out these favorite local fishing holes:
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Frances Slocum Lake
Frances Slocum State Park — Wyoming, PA
The big ones bite early at this favorite state park lake. You’ll find everything from stocked trout to big muskies to walleye and bass in this 165-acre mountain lake. The park features plenty of shoreline access and non-powered boat rentals.
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Big Wapwallopen Creek
Wright Twp., PA
This mountain stream offers some of the area’s best trout fishing as it makes its way to the Susquehanna River. Whether you come with a fly rod or spin reel, you’re sure to have a good day on the water.
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The Susquehanna River
Access throughout NEPA
NEPA’s largest river is well known throughout Pennsylvania as a great spot to fish for smallmouth bass, catfish, northern pike, muskie and more. The river features shore access points and public boat launches throughout the region.
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The Lehigh River
Lehigh Gorge State Park – Weatherly, PA
This stunning, scenic river cutting through the Pocono Mountains is an ideal place to drop a line for some trophy trout in the spring and fall. Smallmouth bass fishing steps up throughout the warmer summer months.
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Promised Land Lake
Promised Land State Park — Greentown, PA
The Delaware State Forest surrounds this deep, 422-acre lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass and pickerel are the popular catch in these waters. The park also offers boat and electric motor rentals by the hour.
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Lackawanna Lake
Lackawanna State Park — North Abington Twp., PA
There’s no better place to introduce the little ones to a lifelong angling obsession than this easily accessible 198-acre lake. And the fully-stocked Trostle Pond is always a hit with the 12 and under crowd.
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Beltzville Lake
Beltzville State Park — Lehighton, PA
This 949-acre lake is long rumored to be one of the best places for largemouth bass in the entire state. It’s also one of the few spots in NEPA where dedicated anglers can possibly land a monster striped bass.
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Silver Creek and Fall Brook
Salt Springs State Park — Montrose, PA
Fly fishing is the favored method on these two pristine mountain streams. With many trout clocking in at 18-24 inches, it’s easy to see why avid anglers keep this one on their list of favorites.
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The Delaware River
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — Bushkill, PA
Anglers from all over the world flock to the Delaware River for the annual American Shad run in the spring. The fishery is also a hot spot for trout, striped bass, muskie, smallmouth bass and many more.
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Nescopeck Creek/Lake Frances
Nescopeck State Park — Drums, PA
Fish the creek for cold-water species like brown trout and native brook trout. The creek is easily accessible throughout the year via trails and plenty of roadside parking spots. Then stop by the nearby Lake Frances for trout, bass and panfish.
Brian Johnson